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China Warns of Glacial Lake Outburst Risks
8 Sep
Summary
- Tibetan Plateau glaciers shrunk by 24% over six decades.
- Over 14,000 glacial lakes now exist on the plateau.
- Melting glaciers increase risks of floods and landslides.
Chinese researchers have identified a direct link between rising temperatures and the significant glacial retreat on the Tibetan Plateau. This melting has exacerbated risks of glacial lake outburst floods, with over 14,000 glacial lakes now mapped across the plateau.
The plateau's glacier area has notably decreased, shrinking by 24% overall. In southern regions, including the Himalayas, glaciers have reduced by approximately 40% over the past six decades. This phenomenon directly contributes to a substantial rise in the number and size of glacial lakes.
These expanding glacial lakes, covering over 1,100 square kilometers, pose an increasing threat of outburst floods and landslides. The most pronounced growth has been observed in Himalayan areas bordering China, where glacial lakes expand by an average of 1% annually, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced mapping and data sharing.
